5 Common Causes of Blocked Drains and How to Prevent Them
Blocked drains are an inconvenience that could cause disruption to your daily life. They can cause water damage, bad smells and even health hazards. If they’re not treated promptly blocked drains may cause serious issues in the plumbing system, which could lead to expensive fixes or replacings.
Key Takeaways
- The blockage of drains can affect your routine and lead to the destruction of your home, bad smells, and even health issues.
- Fat, oil and grease build-up can clog the walls of pipes causing blockages. Avoid pouring grease down the drain. Alternatively, use soap and hot water for cleaning dishes.
- Tree roots naturally extend themselves into the earth to seek nutrients, which could cause serious damage to pipes and even completely block them which can cause flooding. Ensure you maintain the trees surrounding drainage systems by trimming them.
- Wet toiletries, wipes, etc. can create unpleasant smells emanating around toilets/bin areas; only flush toilet paper down the drain.
- Hair
In this article, we will review five common reasons for blocked drains and the best way to avoid them.
Cause 1: Grease, Oil and fat buildup
Fat, grease and oil might appear to be harmless substances to flush down the drain, but they can build up over the insides of the pipes, causing a blockage. As a result the water can’t move freely through the drainpipes. It is best to avoid the practice of pouring grease down the drain or use hot water and soap when cleaning dishes, as this helps break down grease-based substances.
Cause 2: Tree Roots
The tree’s roots gradually extend themselves into the ground looking for nutrients. This means that they grow toward underground pipes. Once they’re inside, the tree roots can cause massive damage and may completely stop them from flowing, causing flooding. Therefore, it is essential that if are near trees to regularly monitor their growth around drainage systems, by trimming them regularly.
Cause 3: Flushed items
It’s easy to assume that flushing biodegradable products such as wet wipes, sanitary towels etc. won’t cause any significant problems in the long term, However, if a large amount of these products are flushed down toilets they will resultantly pile up and push others away, in the way of pipes. This could cause unpleasant odors to emanate around the toilets and bins too! Make sure to remember what should be flushed and what shouldn’t (i. that only toilet paper needs to be flushed).
Cause 4: Hair
Additional Information
- From A to Z Tips for Cleaning Your Drains and Maintaining a Clog-Free House
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- Avoid Expensive Repairs with Regular CCTV Drain Inspections
- From Blocked to Free-flowing: Drainage Solutions for Blocked Pipes
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: DIY Techniques vs Professional Services
- Don’t Get Caught Unprepared! What You Need to Do Before a CCTV Drain Inspection
- Unblocking Blocked Drains: How to Choose Between DIY or Professional Services
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- Don't wait! Find the finest plumber to tackle your blocked drain crisis
- Bid farewell to a Blocked Shower Drain with The following Comprehensive Guide
